Informed consent must be obtained before the physical and forensic examination of a sexual assault victim in the emergency room. The duties of the examining physician include treating injuries; performing appropriate tests to detect, prevent, and treat sexually transmitted infections; detecting pregnancy; and preventing or terminating it if the woman wishes. These tasks should be performed with compassion and professional objectivity in compliance with State statutory requirements and guidelines for forensic testing. The main focus of the forensic analysis of specimens is the identification of semen, blood, skin, and hair from the perpetrator. Standard rape kits are available in most emergency departments and contain the necessary equipment for the collection of forensic specimens from the rape victim. After the physical and medicolegal requirements have been fulfilled, the physician should review the pertinent physical findings with the patient and clarify her wishes regarding antibiotic therapy or prophylaxis against pregnancy. She should be allowed to express her anxieties and state her understanding of what happened. A follow-up plan should be made for both medical and psychological evaluation. 21 references